I grew up in rural Southwest Michigan immersed in nature. Some of my fondest memories involve playing in the woods, helping on the farm, camping, and being in and around anything water. I was an imaginative, introverted kid, who could gaze for hours at cloud formations. I happily played alone drawing, making dirt sculptures in our driveway, or in the sand at the beach. I spent a lot of time swimming in both the Great Lakes and small, inland lakes near my home. I collected every interesting thing ranging from insects to driftwood to rocks. Through these experiences and more, I developed a deep attachment to all things land, sky, and water. My father, an amateur geologist and naturalist, and my mother (the farm girl) made those connections possible which still inform my life and art.

I’ve been making art since I can remember. It was something I got positive attention for and I was good at it. So, I made art and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (2D) and a Master of Fine Arts degree (Drawing and Painting) after serving in the Air Force.

My art is a search to understand and then share striking encounters with the sublime beauty of the natural world. I am mystified by the power of nature and her hold over my psyche. Through the act of painting, the process of making marks, I get closer to understanding myself and my fascination. I seek to create meditative art objects that suggest a shared human experience with nature and invite slow, careful observation, which I believe adds value to one’s life.

For many years—and occasionally still—I paint on location (en plein air), a practice that trains my eye and hand while strengthening my ability to capture the spirit of a place quickly. Now, I usually begin with personal photo references, selected from dozens I’ve taken. Yet I release myself from the photo’s exactness to convey the truth of the experience and uncover what truly draws me to the place or passing moment. In each artwork, I focus on the essential elements needed to achieve that goal. Simplifying shapes, removing or isolating details, and exploring minimalist compositions often guide my process.

I live and work from my home studio in San Antonio, Texas with my husband and currently, only two dogs. For the past seven years, I have painted the Texas sky from my west facing patio; Texas skies never disappoint. I see the open sky, every sunset, and every storm front which may bring the promise of rain. It has been a constant source of inspiration and curiosity. Recently, my husband and I purchased a small RV to travel and explore new places. The Texas Gulf coast is a new obsession, stirring childhood memories spent near water. Nothing calms the soul quite like the sound of gentle waves and oh that light on the water!

After a 20 year career teaching art, I have committed to creating art full time. I invite you to discover, through your own encounter with my work, a sense of wonder and shared human experience.